Since my last update I have finished with my treatments. I chose not to have chemo, based on my Oncotype DX results. I decided not to have radiation on the "Baby Bear" booblet area, but I did have some radiation of the supraclavicular area (around the collarbone). I am finding it very easy to live with the Baby Bear Booblets. I have been doing regular stretches and exercises to make sure that I have strength and flexibility. This is particularly important for the side that had a node dissection and subsequent radiation. It is still a bit stiff and gets a bit swollen sometimes - however it is improving. I encourage everyone to go an see a physiotherapist to make sure you are doing everything you can to stay active. Mine was Action Sport Physio in Montreal West ... www.actionsportphysio.com/en/clinics/montreal-west/, tell them I recommended you and I will get a free treatment!

Because of the radiation to the collarbone and neck area, it's important to keep that area away from the sun, so I bought some "plus-size" swim shirts and bottoms from www.uvskinz.com, which I recommend highly. I did find that I had to safety pin the collar to make sure it covered the higher parts of my neck.

Another key thing when getting radiation, is what creme to use to reduce the side effects of radiation on the skin. I found that Miaderm Radiation Creme worked well for me. I used it several times a day, and I managed to keep swimming every day during and after my treatments, which was great. You can order this from their web site at www.miaderm.com.

A big question after having a Goldilocks Mastectomy is what clothes will fit well, given the new smallish Baby Bear booblets. Of my many bathing suits, this one from www.junonia.com, seems to work the best. It has high sides to cover the scars, and a very soft inner bra lining that doesn't stick out. It is the AquaSport™ Easy Zip Swimsuit, JunoActive Style: 366721 , picture from the Junonia online catalog.

By Laurie Hendren

If you want to see a list of the blogs use the "List of Blogs" page. If you want to know more about me, see the "About" page. Please feel free to leave comments on my blog, or to contact me via the "Contact" page.Also, leave a comment, I would like to hear from others who have had this procedure, or who are considering it.